Hanging bridge

In my single days, I used to watch movies a lot. I would basically camp out at movie theaters during foreign film festivals and (tried) to watch all the movies in the line-up. When we were first dating, D & I used to watch movies every weekend before hearing mass. It was only when we got married that I found out he was not really a movie buff. He just accompanied me because he knew it was my favorite hobby in the whole wide world. Back then, I thought it was a sweet gesture on his part. 3 years into our marriage, I've accepted the fact that movie watching isn't on his list of things to do. But I manage to sustain my hobby through the ever reliable Internet.

My sister who recently relocated to HK, finds herself in the same quandary. Her small circle of (new) friends, acquaintances don't seem to share her interests. This includes watching movies at cinemas. So nowadays when we chat at Skype, we would spend hours discussing the films we've seen, compare notes and recommend to each other several movies. It almost feels like we are members of Oprah's book club except we discuss films instead of novels.

I'm not really complaining about my hubby's lack of interest in my hobbies. :D Marriage is about adjusting one's expectations and simply making do with what wedded life has to offer. It is pretty much like that hanging bridge in the picture above. You know once you step on it, it would get shaky and tough yet you still go for it. But you face it armed with enough strength and tenacity to handle each and every shake that comes along the way with relentless determination until you reach the other side. Let's march on!

Retail therapy

Shopping for clothes has been quite a chore now that I've gained weight. The pretty green blouse that looks exquisite on the display rack would look hideous on me. Perhaps due to the letter 'X' attached to the size. So in honor of my 43rd birthday, I just went for the next best thing: shoes! :D

My 43rd birthday lunch

Venue: Robinsons Galleria.
Lunch: Mr Choi Kitchen.
Coffee: Figaro.
Blueberry Cheese cake: checked! :D

Letter to myself

Dear me,

You know how people tend to feel down whenever their birthday approaches, well I know you feel the same. Even though you have always felt young both physically and at heart, somehow life has a way of rubbing it in when you try your darnest best to deny it. For instance, when you wake up in the mornings and you feel some ache in your joints. I also know you feel old when you visit your OB-GYN's clinic and you are the oldest one there. Not to mention, the only one without a 'big belly'.

Well yes so you turn 43, today. I suggest you embrace it with your head held high and a smile in your heart. It is best to just enjoy life and quit torturing yourself with unnecessary stress and worries which keep you up at nights.

You are already blessed with supportive parents, a generous sister and a loving husband. Just count your blessings and be grateful for them. You are already experiencing a life far beyond your wildest expectations. So cherish it and learn to accept that certain things are meant to be, whether you like it or not.

Happy birthday. Enjoy your day. Go have that blueberry cheese cake you have been craving for days now. You deserve it more than you think you do!

Travelogue: Austrian charm

It was during the month of March in the year 2000 when I first set foot in Austria. It was part of our European itinerary. We took an overnight train from Venice to Vienna. In my excitement, I couldn't sleep and just laid in my bunker bed watching the night time scenery pass by. When the train reached the final stop in Vienna, I was greeted by the chillingly cold breeze. We dragged our heavy luggage all the way to the MRT (I forget what it is called) and alighted at the city hall station. Good thing my sister is quite adept in reading maps. After a few minutes walk, we reached our B&B type accommodation for our week stay in Austria.

For 3 whole days we explored Vienna on our own. Our hotel was walking distance from the Rathaus (City Hall).



We also toured the scenic route leading to the Burgtheater (National Theatre).
The Burgtheater has obtained a world-wide reputation for brilliant dramatic art and it holds a leading position in the dramatic arts of German-speaking Europe. Over the years, its theatrical company of more or less regular members has worked out a traditional style and speech characteristic of Burgtheater performances. The audience has always been involved in evaluating the talents of new members of the Burgtheater company. (Information is from the map of tourist sites to visit in Vienna)



We were also fortunate to ride the Prater, Vienna's most popular fun fair. Here one can enjoy a great view from the giant Ferris wheel which was featured in the classic film, "The Third Man". The Prater is situated near the centre and is ideal for walking, cycling, jogging or just lying on the grass after an exhausting sightseeing tour in the inner city.

We rode the MRT to visit the Gothic St Stephen' Cathedral. It is situated in the city centre, and for centuries it has been the heart of Vienna. It is one of the most famous Viennese sights and was built in 1147. The cathedral was dedicated to St. Stephen. But we weren't able to capture these sights on film since we foolishly forgot our camera in the hotel. It was beautiful too to see the Vienna Opera House sparkling with lights during the evenings.

One evening, we bought tickets to watch a quartet perform classical music in one of the halls in the Burgtheater. It was a small ensemble with a small audience, but the acoustic of the hall was perfect. It was an excellent way to appreciate Austria's rich cultural heritage.

It took us an entire day to explore the Schonbrunn Palace. The Palace with its surrounding buildings and the huge park is one of the most significant cultural monuments in Austria. It was generally used as the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Furthermore the entire complex was taken up in the UNESCO's world cultural heritage list.



We took a train to get to Salzburg, the 4th largest city in Austria. The place made famous by "The Sound of Music" movie. It is also the birthplace of 18th century composer Wolfgang Mozart. His modest residence is now a museum where they display most of his compositions.

Since we only had half a day to explore Salzburg, we headed directly to the Hellbrunn Palace, famous for its trick fountains.





We also visited the Hohensalzburg Castle ("High Salzburg Fortress"). It is one of Austrian's ancient castles and it is atop the Festungsberg mountain. It was erected at the behest of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg. Today today with a length of 250 m (820 ft) and a width of 150 m (490 ft), it is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.



Overall, our visit to Austria was short but quite charming. From the wonderful sights, the interesting local cuisine to the biting cold weather (even though it was already March) - it will forever remain etched in my memory as one of the best trips I've ever experienced in my lifetime.

The getting to know you chain

Courtesy of Toni from "Wifely Steps". Here are my answers.

1. Were you named after someone?
Yes, I was named after the English novelist "Daphne du Maurier".

2. How did you name your blog?
I wanted to document the precious and (not so precious) moments of my life.

3. Where did you meet your husband?
Friendster :D

4. How long were you guys dating before you got married?
10 months.

5. How did you bond?
Movies. Long telephone chats. Hearing Mass every Sundays.

6. If there is one song to describe your life right now what would it be?
Brandi Carlie: The Story



7. What did you first notice about your partner when you first met?
His mestizo features and his height. Well compared to my tiny frame, everyone is taller than me! :D

8. If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Fly.

9. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people?
No.

10. As a child, what did you want to grow up to be?
A flight attendant.

11. Do you remember where you first spent your paycheck?
I treated my family to dinner in some dimsum place in Singapore. We were based in Singapore then.

12. Favorite Social Network?
Facebuk.

13. Favorite place in Manila?
Inside any cinema.

14. What are your favorite TV Shows?
Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood, Survivor, Top Chef, Project Runway.

15. What’s your silliest pet peeve?
The misuse of the word 'safety'. They use it as a verb now! For instance, when people say 'di bale, basta safety kami' Arggghhh that irritates me to death!

16. What’s your favorite quote?

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breaths away"

17. What’s your favorite smell?
Fresh laundry.

18. Say a random thing about yourself:
I'm turning 43 next week!

19. If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be?
Princess Diana.

20. If you could drop everything now and do something what would it be?
Go hang out with my sister in Hong Kong.

Now it’s your turn: in the comment box, answer one question AND if you want to ask me another question go ahead and do that as well and I’ll answer it!

If you do continue this chain in your blog, leave the link to your entry too. I’d love to read more about you.

Oktoberfest

I am really happy that my sister is now based in HK. That means she can come home more often. The flight is merely an hour and her work load is much lighter so her weekends are free. It was the weekend of her birthday (October 2 - she turned the big 4-0) plus she managed to get 2 days off work so naturally we had to celebrate. Our family has always been big on birthdays.

Actually the celebrations started on the 28th of September (D's 47th birthday) until October 5, 2011. I notice that my jeans are now a bit tight from overeating. :D But I got a birthday coming up in 10 days so I guess I just need to find something else to wear than my now tight jeans. =)